Commenting on the papal proclamation of September 3, 2022 related to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, His Excellency Fra’ John Dunlap, Lieutenant to the Grand Master and head of the Provisional Government of the Order, said: “The Order of Malta welcomes the paternal actions of His Holiness which demonstrate the great love the Pontiff has for our Order. In his careful review of the various proposals put before Him these last months, the Pope has determined a path forward that promises to ensure the Order’s future both as a Religious Institute and a Sovereign Entity.

“The Pope’s decision to empower a Provisional Government is the first step in a clear blueprint for more efficient, streamlined governance for the Order. We now have the long-awaited schedule for the important Chapter General which will enable the Order to move beyond the Provisional Government to a regularised Government in conformity with its new Constitution. The involvement of a variety of accomplished and talented Knights in the Order’s governance has opened the door to new blood and fresh thinking in confronting today’s obstacles and challenges. The new Constitution is a carefully crafted document that speaks to the complexity and nature of a thousand year old religious order.

“On behalf of the entire Order, I extend my heartfelt thanks to His Holiness Pope Francis and his Special Delegate, Cardinal Silvano Tomasi, for the care, thoroughness, and love they have exhibited for our Order.”

Photo-Credit: Vatican Media